Essendon joins Collingwood and Adelaide as AFL clubs benefiting from adidas technologies.
Other adidas sporting partners include the Australian Olympic Team, Cricket Australia, and global sporting giants Chelsea FC, Liverpool FC, AC Milan, the NBA and the All Blacks.
“adidas is extremely excited about the opportunity to be working with one of the most successful and iconic organisations in Australian sport,” commented Greg Kerr, adidas Area Pacific Managing Director.
“Our approach to this partnership will be very transparent; we’ll listen to Essendon’s needs and incorporate feedback in apparel and footwear that will enable players to perform at their best.”
In season 2009 adidas will supply Essendon with a revolutionary new guernsey, aimed at maximising player comfort and performance.
To make tackling harder the garment is more fitted than traditional guernseys, a feature already incorporated into All Black’s on field apparel. The design also features adidas ForMotion™ technology, with panels placed in line with players muscular structure for freedom of movement and also a built in GPS device pocket, doing away with cumbersome vests.
adidas-Essendon products will be available to consumers in December 2008 from Essendon Football Club retail outlets, leading sporting goods retailers and adidas Sport Performance Centres.